Another Wisconsin winter is almost behind us and between the snow, the bitter cold and the flu, I have to say that it was a pretty rough one. Soon, the warm spring sun will wash all that snow and cold away (I hope, because as I write this in mid-February it seems like it will be cold forever), and the earth is coming back from winter clean and new. If only it was that easy for our bodies and minds to shake it all off. Winter is long and we spend the whole time fighting the germs, the dry skin and the electric shocks. Now, in the spring, we get a chance to cleanse and bring new life into ourselves. Here are a few ideas about how the Co-op and its fabulous Health and Wellness teams can help you do that without cleaning out your wallet as well. Let’s start from the inside of the body and work our way out.

ProbioticsIn the winter we fight off all the bacteria we come in contact with. Between hand sanitizer and antibiotics, it is a miracle that we have anything good left in our bodies. This is where the Probiotics come in. It is time to get some of that good bacteria back into your system. From February 27th to April 2nd New Chapter has four different probiotics on sale ranging from $20.99 to $23.99. The Health and Wellness staff at Willy East or West can help you pick out the right one for you.

Vitamin B ComplexVitamin B complex is great for your hair, skin, nails, and energy plus so many other things. It is a great vitamin to start in the spring because it makes you feel like spring—sunny and replenished. New Chapter has their B Food Complex on sale for between $27.99 to $40.99 from February 27th to March 19th. This price is great for New Chapter but if you are wary of spending so much on trying a new vitamin, we have quite a few different B-complex supplements to offer in a range of prices. Just stop by the Wellness department and we’ll find something perfect for you. I started taking a B-complex supplement this fall and will never go without it again. On top of making me feel great everyday it is very helpful the day after a few too many beers out on the patio.

Aloe Vera Juice and GellyAloe Vera has tons of benefits beyond soothing the occasional burn. Aloe Vera Gelly is great on a variety of skin issues that occur due to cold, dry winters, and in its juice form it is high in vitamins and minerals—great for digestion and detoxifying your digestive system. I usually put Aloe Vera juice in my smoothies when I’m just not feeling as great as I could, whether it be digestive issues or just feeling sluggish. I take it for a couple weeks until I’m feeling like myself again, and then I put it in the fridge until next time. Such a great thing to start in the spring! Lily of the Desert Aloe Vera Gelly is on sale from February 27th to March 19th for $3.29 to $6.49 depending on the size. Whole Leaf Aloe Vera Juice is on sale from for $6.99 to $7.99 at the same time. So whether you are stocking up for future sunburns or wanting to start a new regimen for your whole body, this is great time to scoop up some Aloe Vera. Added bonus! All of the products above are on sale on Wellness Wednesday, March 6th, which means you would get an extra 10% off the sale price. Wellness Wednesday is a great time to stock up, for an extra 10% off, on your favorite supplements, body care products, bulk tea, bulk medicinals and energy bars!

Giovanni Tea Tree Triple Treat Shampoo and ConditionerIn the winter my hair has so much static I look like the Bride of Frankenstein, and having to blow dry it every morning so my hat doesn’t freeze to my head on the way to the car, sucks all the moisture right out of it. Come spring it is practically straw, no matter how much extra moisturizing shampoo and leave-in conditioner I’ve used for the last three months. This is where the Giovanni Tea Tree Triple Treat shampoo comes in. After a few uses, I always see my hair come back to life, and the best part? We carry it in bulk too. The 8.5 fluid ounce bottles of shampoo and conditioner are on sale this month for $4.99, down from $7.49 each, from March 20th to April 2nd. When those are gone and the sale is over, you can refill them with the bulk product to save a little bit of money and to avoid putting another plastic bottle in the trash.

Aubrey Organics SunscreensSpring is the time to stock up on sun screen and I love, love, love the Aubrey Organics sunscreens. They have many different kinds and they all work great. Down from $15.99 to $12.99, March 20th through April 2nd is a good time to buy.

Hopefully these tips and sales can help you roll off your winter fog and into our fabulous Wisconsin spring. A season of renewal and growth, spring is a great time to give your body some love, inside and out.